By Dene Conway

The long awaited Orford trip was finally upon us with many club members beginning the day with a 5.30am start, it was always going to be a long day and we all hoped the fishing would be worth the travelling.

18 anglers had pre booked with 12 club members ready to do battle for the Sid Ernie Cup and everyone hoping to win the 1st HSAC Orford Open.

While booking in was done in the carpark it became apparant the Narrows would be very busy with two boat loads already on their way out, so it was decided to get Pete the boatman to take us even further down to avoid the crowds.

The fishing was very slow to start with and only the odd whiting turning up along the lineup, hopes were pinned on the ebb producing the fish in numbers which turned out to be correct. With 18 anglers returning 139 fish it was Kieth Morley who was way out in front with 13 fish for 6lb 0 2/3oz including a good Dogfish, fighting his way into 2nd place was Clyde Leggett with 14 fish for 5lb 1 2/3oz , 3rd place went to John Carter who recently joined HSAC he recorded 13 fish for 4lb 14 2/3oz, a battling Tony Thomas managed a 4th place with 14 fish for 4lb 12 2/3oz using his wrigglers to attract Bass at close quarters.

Up the other end of the beach was young Henry Randell who managed a good Dab to win him the heaviest flat at 0lb 7oz, meanwhile Trevor Elliot who had, like many of us been struggling with the whiting and was only on 48 points then struck into a good Dogfish of 2lb 3 1/3oz giving him heaviest round and saving his day.

The Sid Ernie Cup was won by HSAC member John Carter so a great start for his debut match with the club.

All in all the match was very enjoyable and all anglers managed a fish or two, on reflection it seems we travelled too far down the narrows as other anglers had reported good bags further up throughout the day, the only way to combat this would be to make sure we get the first boat out, something to remember for our next trip.

Next weekends match The Nelson Cup is at Kelling from 12 noon till 5pm please note this match is on SATURDAY so all members can if they wish take part in the Mark Allsop Memorial Trophy at Gt Yarmouth North Beach on the Sunday 11th, if you wish to register please ring John Abbott on 07792 440086 registration is from 8.30am with fishing from 10am till 3pm £10 all in.

Orford Open Results

1st : Kieth Morley 13 fish for 6lb 0 2/3oz
2nd : Clyde Leggett 14 fish for 5lb 1 2/3oz
3rd : John Carter 13 fish for 4lb 14 2/3oz
4th : Tony Thomas 14 fish for 4lb 12 2/3oz

Heaviest Flat: Henry Randell – Dab 0.7oz
Heaviest Round: Trevor Elliot – Dogfish 2lb 3 1/3oz

Club Results
1st John Carter 13 fish for 4lb 14 2/3oz
2nd Tony Thomas 14 fish for 4lb 12 2/3oz
3rd Ian Gedney 11 fish for 4lb 2oz
4th Henry Randell 10 fish for 3lb 11oz